HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-02 Hazelnut Newsletter - Volume 39 No. 1JANUARY/FEBRUARY2019
VOLUME 39, NUMBER 1
A City of Tukwila publication for our residential and business communities
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MAYOR'S MESSAGE
Reflecting on our various accomplish-
ments in 2018, I begin by thanking the
community, Council and City staff, all of
whom made significant contributions
making it a great year. I want to share
some high points:
Public Safety Plan - 2018 was a pivotal year for the Public
Safety Plan. (See more information on Page 7)
Traffic Calming in our Neighborhoods - I am proud of the
collaborative work done to reduce speeding and make our
neighborhoods safer. Enhanced enforcement work done
by the Tukwila Police Department, heightened engineering
by our Public Works Department, and Council's great work
in passing the City's new Traffic Calming policy - all are
working hard to slow down drivers in residential areas and
improve the experience for pedestrians.
Customer Service Growth- The City is perpetually working
on improving customer service, and there were many great
examples of providing needed benefits to community
members, from to increased community engagement
at Council's public listening sessions, to a Permit Center
providing timely services facilitating the many construction
projects in Tukwila, to time -saving online Police reporting.
More Transparency into City Budgeting - In 2018 the City
instituted Priority Based Budgeting (PBB), a great tool
for the community to see the City's various programs and
services, how much is spent on each program, and City's
process of determining where the money is budgeted.
Ongoing Investments in our Neighborhoods - 2018 saw
a number of infrastructure projects come to substantial
completion, including the third phase of improvements to
42nd Avenue South, significant work on the 53rd Avenue
South project, the addition of dedicated dog play areas in
two City parks, rehabilitation of four bridges, and more.
I am very proud of our 2018 achievements, and now most
interested to see what we'll accomplish together in 2019!
Allan Ekberg, Mayor
This special edition of the Hazelnut is
the City of Tukwila's Annual Report -
highlights of City staff and elected officials'
accomplishments in 2018.
by Kathy Hougardy,
2019 Council President
Happy New Year! I am honored to serve
as Council President in 2019. While I am
still one of a seven -member body, each of
whom has the same influence over policy
decisions, I do have a few additional responsibilities. In
Tukwila, Council President duties include appointing the
Chair and membership of our four standing committees,
approving the agendas of all Regular, Committee of the
Whole, and Special meetings, presiding over Committee
of the Whole meetings and special work sessions, signing
legislation, and serving as Mayor Pro Tempore in the
absence of the Mayor. I am proud of all the Council has
accomplished these past few years, and know we have a
busy year ahead.
Many of the policy decisions made by the Council are first
discussed at meetings of our four standing committees:
- Public Safety Committee
- Transportation & Infrastructure Committee
- Finance Committee
- Community Development & Neighborhoods Committee
Committees meet at 5:30PM in the Hazelnut conference
room at Tukwila City Hall and are open to the public.
For more information about our meeting schedule, the work
of the Council, the focus of our committees, or to sign up for
agendas, please visit TukwilaWA.gov.
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Implemented Green Tukwila Stewardship Plan, com-
pleting 670 hours of volunteer restoration work at three
Tukwila parks with King Conservation District funding
Adopted a Municipal Arts Plan, and started
implementation of Artist in Residence program.
Received Creative Consultancy for Southcenter District
to implement an art engagement project.
Developed new marketing plan resulting in 1,700 more
Fall rounds of golf at Foster Links compared to 2017.
Received funding for an Older Adult Recreation and
Services Needs Assessment and an automatic door
opener upgrade at the Tukwila Community Center with
King County funding.
Implemented a Kaleidoscope Play and Learn Program at
the Tukwila Community Center with King County funding.
Provided toys, clothing and household items to over 300
Tukwila children through the Spirit of Giving program.
Developed three acres of dog play area within two
existing parks, Foster Park and Crestview Park.
Cleaned up approximately 60 homeless encampments,
removing close to 180 cubic yards of waste removal.
Received a National Recreation & Parks Association
10-minute Walk Grant, which supports planning to
ensure residents are within a 10-minute walk to a
quality park.
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Staff from the Mayor's Office/Economic Development:
Supported business outreach and negotiations related
to the Public Safety Plan.
Completed the sale of Phase 1 land for Tukwila Village
to developer, and celebrated the grand opening of two
affordable senior apartment buildings, the new Tukwila
Library, Kona Kai Coffee, the Sullivan Center and plaza.
Formed non-profit community organization to operate
the Sullivan Center and plaza.
Awarded designation of four census tracts as
Opportunity Zones to attract investment through federal
capital gains tax incentives. Began marketing the
opportunity zones and facilitating development.
Supported Forterra's purchase of Knight's Inn motel
for eventual partnership with Abu Bakr Islamic Center
to develop affordable apartments and small business
spaces.
Staff from the Records Governance/City Clerk's Office:
Provided legally required training for elected officials on
public records and open public meeting requirements.
Enhanced online Digital Records Center with the
addition of 84,559 high -retrieval permit and land use
images for free access by the public.
Compiled agendas for and facilitated 46 weeks of
Council and Committee meetings.
Review/analysis of 70 pieces of legislation; adding them
to Tukwila's Municipal Code for online access by public.
Executed 245 new City contracts, making them - along
with all City contracts - available online to the public.
Served the community through the issuance of 230 pet
licenses.
Were key partners and contributors in support of
community service programs - SnackPack, Spirit of
Giving, and food and clothing for homeless populations.
2 THE HAZELNUT
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Under the leadership of Council President Verna Seal, the
City Council spent an extremely busy 2018 working on a
variety of policy matters in its four standing committees:
• Public Safety
• Transportation & Infrastructure
• Finance
• Community Development & Neighborhoods
Over the course of 2018's meetings - 23 Regular, 19
Committee of the Whole, 83 Committee, 10 Special
meetings - the Council worked on issues related to the
budget, the Public Safety Plan, employee compensation,
and standing up for the rights of our community members.
Highlights from the year include:
Enhanced public communication about Council
legislative actions.
Increased community engagement and hosted four
public listening sessions out in the community.
Partnered with youth via Teens for Tukwila student group.
Passed an updated compensation policy.
Amended the Mayor's proposal and adopted a balanced
and fiscally responsible budget for 2019-2020.
Adopted new regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units.
Adopted an official neighborhood traffic calming policy
to enhance safety in our neighborhoods.
Passed an ordinance prohibiting officers and employees
from inquiring about immigration status, unless needed
in the course of a criminal investigation.
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Increased the number of domestic violence (DV) classes
offered by Probation Department from three to four.
To meet high demand, the court's low-cost DV therapy
courses provide a certified program for defendants to
stay in compliance with court orders and get the help
they need.
Administered county -wide program to help people get
their driver's licenses reinstated. Initiated by Tukwila's
Court, the Unified Payment ("UP") program provides a
low-cost consolidated payment plan for people whose
licenses are suspended for non-payment of fines in
multiple courts.
Participated in a presentation to the Supreme Court
regarding efforts to address the problems associated
with legal financial obligations. Tukwila Court leadership
was invited to share the successful program of payment
alternatives including program of offering community
service in lieu of fines and costs.
Added a labor program supervised by professionals
from the King County Community Work Alternative as
a jail alternative. Low-level and non-violent offenders
clear property, pick-up litter, help with trash/nuisance
disposal and other tasks, giving back to the community
with valuable assistance instead of serving jail time.
Hosted the prestigious Washington Supreme Court
Interpreter Commission to demonstrate interpreter
scheduling via the use of technology and managing
a high volume of cases requiring numerous diverse
language assistance needs. Administrator Kinlow was
recognized for dedicated service in access to justice.
Hosted 15th year of "Court for Kids" program. The
court presented lessons regarding basic legal concepts,
leadership skills, public service opportunities, and mock
trial programs to students of all ages, including the
entire second grade of Tukwila Elementary School.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY2019 3
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Began implementation of Priority -Based Budgeting
(PBB), which aids the City in allocating funds to the
programs that are determined - through outreach and
communication - to be most critical to the community.
Managed City-wide budget process concluding in adop-
tion of 2019-2020 Biennial Budget by the City Council.
Utilized new financial forecasting platform - Whitebirch
- for long-range financial planning which helps ensure
the City's long-term sustainability.
Managed Park and Fire impact fee update process,
resulting in new rates, better defined rate categories,
and a rate model to facilitate future updates.
Issued $8.2 million bond to finance residential street
projects, and refinanced $2.25 million short-term urban
renewal debt - all at competitive interest rates.
Transitioned billing for surface water services to King
County, making bill payments easier and more efficient
for residents.
Simplified the business license fee calculation by
changing the basis to number of employees, rather than
based on employee hours.
Established reporting to the Public Safety Plan Financial
Oversight Committee, reflecting the City's commitment
to transparency.
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Developed new regulations for Accessory Dwelling
Units allowing backyard cottages and apartments that
are part of a house, and offering an amnesty program
through June of 2019 for units built without permits.
Worked with Tree Committee, Planning Commission and
the City Council to update tree regulations to protect
Tukwila's trees and preserve our urban forest.
Continued implementation of the Southcenter Plan's
vision of a transit -oriented mixed -use center, with 644
apartments and 546 new hotel rooms recently built or
underway in the area.
Began outreach for State -mandated updates to
Tukwila's shoreline and environmental regulations,
in consideration of ensuring adequate protection for
the river, wetlands, streams and steep slopes, while
balancing property rights.
Updated the rental housing inspection requirements to
provide a quality control audit and prohibit conflicts of
interest by inspectors.
Opened 391 code enforcement cases and closed 304,
many simple issues with quick resolution and some
taking more time, such as those requiring legal action.
Organized the annual yard sale and continued our state
funded assistance for residential and business recycling.
Continued grant funded education and outreach around
replacing single -driver car trips with biking, transit, car
pools and van pools.
Reviewed and issued 1,757 building, mechanical,
electrical and plumbing permits for new or remodeled
buildings. The estimated cost of all the construction
approved in 2018 was $153,135,631, up 26% from 2017.
Provided timely permit review and construction
inspection of multiple large projects such as the 19 story
Hotel Interurban/Airmark Apartments; maintained a 24-
hour turnaround time for building inspections.
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THE HAZELNUT
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Created new Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program
(NTCP) to protect livability in Tukwila neighborhoods
by reducing the negative effects of motor vehicle
use on residential streets. This enables residents or
associations (e.g., homeowners association) to request
enrollment of the street in the NTCP.
Installed Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB)
at the mid -block pedestrian crosswalk in front of
Showalter Middle School, speed cushions on South
148th Street, and numerous radar speed signs around
the City.
Completed 42nd Avenue South residential
street improvement project, which included full
street improvements, sidewalks, bike facilities,
undergrounding of utilities, and replacement of the
Gilliam Creek 36-inch surface water culvert.
Repaved Southcenter Boulevard as part of the City's
Overlay and Repair program.
Cleaned and inspected the North hill water reservoir.
Performed
improvements
to four bridges
- Boeing Access
Road over BNRR,
Frank Zepp
Bridge (South
180th Street),
Grady Way
Bridge (shared
with Renton),
and the Beacon
Avenue South
Bridge - all
with significant
grant funding.
Continued development of accurate GIS (Geographic
Information System) as -built drawings of the City's
water, sewer, and surface water infrastructure.
Resealed atrium glass at Tukwila Community Center.
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Modernized City's network infrastructure by replacing
aged and out -of -support hardware, e.g., network
backbone and remote facility connections.
Deployed new network infrastructure for data security
between the City and the Washington State Patrol to
ensure delivery of secure criminal justice data to the City.
Provided education and advice to all City staff for
awareness of cyber-attacks and phishing schemes to
further secure the City's computer network and data.
Provided guidance in Technology Council and
Technology Team to ensure collaboration with staff in
assessment of technology needs and purchases.
Provided project leadership in implementation of new
software solutions for performance management: fire
staffing, digital signatures, City of Tukwila public WiFi,
permitting, and asset management.
Partnered with Tukwila School District and software
company Betty Blocks to launch a City of Tukwila Digital
Academy, which graduated its first class in the area
of techniques for basic software development. Youth
developed a solution for Tukwila residents to provide
feedback on the City of Tukwila's goals.
Supported enrichment activities for a Foster High
School technology intern.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY2019 5
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Implemented a community engagement strategy in
which the entire department engages the community,
in an effort to build trust and legitimacy, while solving
problems and reducing crime.
Continued to integrate social media (Facebook, Twitter,
Snapchat, YouTube) as part of the Department's daily
public engagement strategy.
Went "live" with online reporting to create efficiencies
and free up officer time for proactive policing.
Fully integrated Axon body/in-car cameras.
Conducted Bulldog academy at Foster High School,
civics class, and community academy.
With the assistance of COPCAB members, developed and
distributed citizen survey to measure citizen satisfaction
with the police department.
Participated in the buyer beware emphasis, and
maintained situational awareness on regional gangs
and activities.
Collaborated with USPS on narcotics interdiction using
the Narcotics K9 program.
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Staff from Human Resources:
Accomplished successful recruitment for key positions
in the Human Resources Department, hiring a new
Director, Analyst/Civil Service Examiner, and Technician.
Conducted mandatory Workplace Anti -Harassment and
Anti -Discrimination training for all City employees.
Held promotional Civil Service tests for Fire Captain,
Battalion Chief, and Police Sergeant for current and
future vacancies.
Advertised 74job vacancies, received 2,788job
applications, and hired 99 staff.
Staff from Community Engagement:
Advertised and facilitated several open houses to share
City information with community members.
Coordinated program of apprenticeships for high school
students.
Participated in/facilitated meetings including
Community Connectors, Equity and Social Justice
Commission, Regional Equity and Inclusion Group,
Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce Education and
Workforce Committee.
Staff from Human Services:
Successful completion of 2019-20 Request for Proposal
(RFP) review and recommendation process for funding
service providers.
Increased efficiency through technology- Human
Services Advisory Board used iPads to review RFPs.
Provided Information and/or assistance to 2,308 people.
Provided 275 hours of case management hours to
Tukwila residents in need.
Participated in/facilitated meetings including Tukwila
School District Providers, Refugee Forum, Global to
Local, Seattle King County Housing and Homelessness
Program, and SeaTac-Burien-Tukwila Joint Providers.
Staff from Communications:
Coordinated employee program of departmental
overviews - monthly posters, videos, articles - to
acquaint staff with co-workers and their work.
Created posters in recognition of heritage months.
Provided print/digital support to City departments.
Increased digital and video communications.
6 THE HAZELNUT
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Developed specifications for the purchase of two
new customized fire engines and a ladder truck, to be
delivered in 2019.
Participated in regional "Future Women in EMS/Fire"
workshop designed for young women seeking to pursue
careers in Emergency Medical Services or firefighting.
Updated City's Comprehensive Emergency Management
Plan.
Provided community education that
includes two CERT classes, twelve fire
extinguisher trainings, and participation
in 28 public presentations and events.
Graduated four firefighter new hires from
Recruit Class; added three new members
to Rescue Team.
Processed approximately 985 plan reviews,
737 construction inspections, and 107 fire
investigations through Fire Marshal's office.
Attended to a total of 5,717 incidents (Aid
calls, Fire response, Hazardous Materials).
Conducted ongoing Fire staff education encompassing
rescue trainings including a special high-rise training,
EMS, truck and pump academies.
Fu6i'k Safety Ff'eut Upate
• 2018 was a foundational year for the Public Safety Plan.
• The Administration and City Council collaborated to
identify how to address the funding gap for the Public
Safety Plan due to construction cost escalation and
market conditions. The new funding plan was approved
without additional funds from voters.
Mutually -agreeable settlements were achieved with
every property and business owner associated with all
of the Public Safety Plan sites, avoiding costly litigation
and ensuring the projects will remain on schedule.
Fire Station 51 was fully designed, permits were applied
for, and the project is expected to break ground in March
of 2019.
The Justice Center was fully designed, permits were
applied for, and the project is expected to break ground
on April 1, 2019.
Fire Station 52 went through
the initial round of design; early
site work is expected to begin
in the summer of 2019 with the
building construction to begin
later that month.
Programming and master
planning began on the Public
Works site so that the City
has a detailed plan on how
investments and improvements
will be made on the property
over time.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY2019 7
THE HAZELNUT
City of Tukwila
6200 Southcenter Blvd.
Tukwila, WA 98188
PRESORT STANDARD
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
SEATTLE, WA
PERMIT NO. 12698
Postmaster: If named addressee has moved, deliver to current resident. To help us correct addresses or eliminate duplicates, please call 206-454-7573.
City of Tukwila ® O
PUBLIC SAFETY PLAN
Official Groundbreaking Ceremony for the
Public Safety Plan and Fire Station 51
Saturday, March 30 - Starts at 10:OOAM
at the intersection of S. 180th Street
and Southcenter Parkway
Come enjoy food and activities
Everyone is welcome and
encouraged to attend!
Save the Date!
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• Reducing traffic issues in residential areas
As mentioned in the City's Annual Report inside this issue,
Tukwila has created a new program aimed at calming
traffic on residential streets.
The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program (NTCP) is
designed to allow for a transparent, predictable, and
equitable process for implementing effective traffic
calming measures in neighborhoods throughout the
City. Any resident or association (such as a Homeowner's
Association) is eligible to enroll a street in the NTCP. A
request should be made in writing, either a physical letter
or an email, or by using the form available on the City's
website. Requests must include a contact name, address,
phone number and email address; anonymous requests
and complaints will not be accepted. Requests should
include a description of the location and the specific
problem that needs to be addressed. Once received,
staff will begin looking into the individual concerns,
work with the residents, and develop a plan of action.
If you have any questions regarding the NTCP, please
contact Senior Program Manager Cyndy Knighton at
206-431-1164 or Cyndy.Knighton@TukwilaWA.gov.
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TUKWILA CITY HALL
6200 Southcenter Boulevard
Hours: Monday -Friday, 8:30AM-5:00PM
Telephone: 206-433-1800
Fax number: 206-433-1833
E-mail: Tukwila@TukwilaWA.gov
Website: TukwilaWA.gov
MAYOR Allan Ekberg 206-433-1850
Mayor's Office
Administration Offices 206-433-1850
David Cline, City Administrator206-433-1851
City Clerk's Office 206-433-1800
Economic Development 206-433-1832
Municipal Court 206-433-1840
Administrative Services
Rachel Bianchi, Dep. CityAdmin. 206-454-7566
Human Resources - Personnel 206-433-1831
City Job Line 206-433-1828
Human Services 206-433-7181
Community Engagement 206-454-7564
Nameplate banner photo of the winter sunrise
at the Community Center taken by Tukwila's
Parks Maintenance Supervisor Matthew Austin
Community Development Dept.
Jack Pace, Director 206-431-3670
Code Enforcement 206-431-3682
Finance Department
Peggy McCarthy, Director 206-433-1835
Fire Department
Jay Wittwer, Chief 206-575-4404
Jason Konieczka, Emerg Mgmt206-971-8740
Parks/Recreation Department
Rick Still, Director 206-767-2342
Police Department
Bruce Linton, Chief 206-433-7175
Public Works Department
Henry Hash, Director 206-433-0179
Technology Services Department
Joseph Todd, Director 206-454-7575
Emergency - Fire, Police 911
TUKWILA COMMUNITY CENTER
12424-42nd Avenue South
Recreation Division 206-768-2822
Senior Center/Services 206-767-2323
FOSTER GOLF LINKS
13500 Interurban Avenue South
Pro Shop 206-242-4221
TUKWILA CITY COUNCIL
Kathy Hougardy, President 206-571-0007
kathy.hougardy@TukwilaWAgov
Dennis Robertson 206-242-6373
dennis.robertson@TukwilaWA.gov
Verna Seal 206-492-4819
verna.seal@TukwilaWA.gov
De'Sean Quinn 206-331-5939
desean.quinn@TukwilaWA.gov
Kate Kruller 206-678-7885
kate.kruller@TukwilwaWA.gov
Thomas McLeod 206-492-4821
thomas.mcleod@TukwilaWAgov
Zak Idan 206-889-0743
zak.idan@TukwilaWA.gov
To email the entire Council at once:
CityCouncil@TukwilaWA.gov
Laurel Humphrey, Analyst 206-433-8993
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
7:OOPM in Council Chambers
Regular Meetings lst/3rd Mondays
Work Meetings 2nd/4th Mondays